Evaluation of lipid production efficiency using palm oil mill effluent as a carbon source by Lipomyces starkeyi

Nova Rachmadona, Prihardi Kahar, Ario Betha Juanssilfero, Fajriana Shafira Nurrusyda, Dewa Ayu Shintya Laura Arista Dewi, Irwan Kurnia, Iman Rahayu, Chiaki Ogino
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-06264-z

Abstract

Oleaginous microbes can convert various substrates into single-cell oils (SCOs), making them promising candidates for sustainable lipid production; however, identifying cost-effective and renewable carbon sources remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the efficiency of the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi strain D35 in lipid production when cultivated using palm oil mill effluent (POME)—an abundant and underutilized waste product—as a novel carbon source, thereby demonstrating its potential to support high lipid accumulation and offering an innovative approach to waste valorization and sustainable bioprocessing. L. starkeyi D35 was cultured under three conditions—glucose only, POME only (5 g/L), and both glucose and POME—and fermented at 190 rpm and 30 °C for 96 h. The strain achieved significant lipid production and robust growth, reaching a lipid concentration of 31.81 g/L. Analysis revealed that the majority of the intracellular lipids comprised C16 and C18 fatty acids, indicating suitability for biofuel applications. These findings suggest that POME can serve as a viable alternative substrate and a valuable renewable carbon supplement for lipid production in biorefineries using L. starkeyi strain D35, contributing to environmental sustainability and waste reduction.

Keywords:

Palm oil mill effluent; Single-cell oil; Waste valorization; Oleaginous yeast; Carbon sources